Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Photography and portraiture - See the desert and swim the Yellow River. Zhongwei is suitable for you who have no time but want to visit the northwest.

See the desert and swim the Yellow River. Zhongwei is suitable for you who have no time but want to visit the northwest.

I didn’t know much about the central defender or even Ningxia as a whole before. But after going there, I discovered that this corner forgotten by the Grand Ring Road is really a treasure.

If you want to see the vast scenery of the northwest, but really don’t have that much time to walk the circular route, then I highly recommend you to visit Zhongwei.

Although it is not as rich in variety of scenery as the Ring Line, it can be regarded as a condensed version of the most anticipated highlights of the Northwest Ring Line. It is very suitable for travelers who just want to "taste a little bit".

Few cities in the northwest have holiday or parent-child attributes, but Zhongwei is an exception. You can have a good time and live well at the same time. The desert stars and Yellow River constellations can even be the reason for you to make a special trip to Zhongwei.

Desert Stars, you can see the endless desert as far as the eye can see when you open the door. The hotel will also organize stargazing lectures in the evening. I heard that there were children who played until they refused to leave, and were eventually dragged away by their mothers.

Yellow River Suji is located on the bank of the Yellow River. It consists of 5 highly designed B&Bs, which are very suitable for young people with artistic talents. "Wife's Romantic Travel" and "Dear Inn" have all been filmed here.

Regarding this guide to the most complete hotels in Zhongwei, which is perfect for one-way air tickets of 299 yuan during the summer, Xiyoujun has already given you a very clear picture before, so today I will specifically Let me tell you how to play central defender. After studying these two strategies, everything will be under your control.

As usual, let’s talk about traffic issues first.

There are relatively few direct flights from Zhongwei (there are those from Shanghai and Xi'an), so you can use Yinchuan as a transfer point. It is very convenient to take the high-speed rail. It’s not a bad idea to stop by Yinchuan, and you won’t be disappointed if you head to Jiangnan. Please click here for the guide > "Yinchuan, how many treasures do you have on your body?" 》

Zhongwei’s places to play are all in the suburbs, so there is no need to consider public transportation. He mainly relies on chartered cars. Fortunately, the chartered car fee here is not expensive, only more than 300 per day, which is very cost-effective per person.

Or rent a car and drive yourself to experience the "speed and passion" on the desert road.

Zhongwei is located where the Yellow River flows and is close to the Tengger Desert. To us, these two are both strange and familiar geographical terms, and we can finally take advantage of this opportunity to turn words into concrete pictures.

The central defender is not big, so if you don’t want to travel in depth, 2 or 3 days will be enough. Even if you are too lazy to go out, there are things to do near the hotel.

Our goal is to still enjoy the stunning original ecological scenery of the northwest without taking the circular route.

Want to see the desert? Here it is!

As much as southerners long for snow, they look forward to seeing the desert. On the Northwest Ring Road, Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang is a stop that cannot be avoided. In addition to Dunhuang, Shapotou in Zhongwei is also one of the four largest Mingsha in China.

What is Mingsha? As the name suggests, when the dunes are blown by the wind or when someone walks on them, the materials in the sand rub against each other and make a sound. Of course, this has to be very quiet to hear.

Shapotou Scenic Area

Shapotou is on the edge of the Tengger Desert. Here you can not only play in the sand, but also in the Yellow River. There is a free shuttle bus between the two areas that runs every 5-10 minutes, which is very convenient.

The desert and the sea are actually similar. They are both endless and vast, but the waves turn into static undulations.

In the desert, surfing turned into sand washing. I got on an off-road vehicle and climbed over the dunes, and then I was shaken to the point where I couldn't find the north.

As a timid player, I chose a gentler motorcycle, and it can drive itself, and you can also be an uninhibited desert rider.

The scenic spot is very "sensible" and sets up a photo and check-in scene at the turnaround point. It really understands the travel needs of contemporary people.

It takes about 5 minutes to drive from the desert to the Yellow River District. Behind the statue of Wang Wei at the entrance is the classic scene of "the sun sets over the long river". Of course, in broad daylight you can only see the "long river of scorching sun".

The recreational projects in this area have to go down a slope before you can play on the Yellow River. Sandboarding or taking a cable car are the best experiences.

If it is not too sunny, I think climbing the sand dunes is also a kind of fun, and I will feel a small sense of conquest in my heart.

Hukou Waterfall shows the furious Yellow River, while the Yellow River in Zhongwei is gentle and quiet. If you come in spring, you can see the clear and non-yellowing Yellow River (the two pools on the bank are clear).

This section of the Yellow River in Zhongwei is not navigable, so we can go down to the river to play. In the past, people who lived along the Yellow River relied on sheepskin rafts to ferry across the river. It takes more than a dozen sheep to make a raft. The master said that the sheepskin used to be of good quality and could last for 10 years without breaking.

It looks very simple, but its load-bearing capacity is amazing. A raft with 13 skins can bear a weight of 1 ton, so you don’t have to panic at all.

Like the Yangtze River Cableway in Chongqing, it has now been relegated to the second line and is more of a way for tourists to have close contact with the Yellow River culture. When sitting on the raft and listening to the master singing local folk songs, it feels like time has gone back in time.

Of course, the camping conditions must be difficult, with simple dry toilets and no bathing allowed. But the experience of falling asleep under a sky full of stars is indeed precious, as well as various desert creatures that you can't usually see outside.

@photographer Yang Siyu

There are many oases in the Tengger Desert, and Swan Lake is a relatively nearby and relatively well-developed scenic spot (Yinchuan used to closer). If you have a familiar driver/guide to lead the way, you can go to some lakes that do not require tickets, and the scenery is still beautiful.

@photographer Yang Siyu

In order to ensure the safety of tourists, private cars are not allowed in the Tengger Desert, and you need to register in advance to participate in cross-country itineraries. group. If you want to hike, you must find a professional guide, otherwise it is very easy to get lost in the vast desert.

@V.N

There are also several desert scenic areas such as Jinsha Sea, Sunshine Sand Sea, and Tonghu Grassland, among which there is accommodation in Jinsha Sea Scenic Area.

To summarize: All sand play projects in scenic spots are similar. Shapotou is the most popular because it has the best development and the most abundant projects. And if you want to play on the Yellow River, Shapotou is the only choice.

Tengger is the most open and exciting area, where you can enjoy hiking and camping. But the supporting facilities are not good enough and it is difficult to buy water.

The other three can be used as alternatives. By the way, Tonghu Grassland is not the kind of grassland you imagined. It is just an oasis in the desert, and it is mainly for playing in the sand.

Highway blockbuster? You can take pictures here!

Route 66

Half of the northwest scenery is on the road. On the Northwest Ring Road, you often encounter empty asphalt roads, which are especially suitable for filming road movies.

Even if you don’t take the Loop, you can still take good photos on Route 66 in Zhongwei. Guagua said that this road reminded him of the movie "No Man's Land", a lonely road surrounded by wilderness.

You can press the shutter here casually and the scene will look beautiful no matter how you frame it. This is its magic. To take photos of Route 66, it’s best to get up early or come in the evening. When the sun shines in the sky, the light is too strong, and everything appears white when photographed.

@伊云yiyun

If you have a drone, be sure to take it to fly, it can help you see farther and wider scenery.

North Changtan

Route 66 continues along the Yellow River and reaches North Changtan.

This is an ancient village by the Yellow River. After the highway was built, young people chose to go out of the mountains to work, so naturally only the older generation remained in the village. They still live a self-sufficient farming life and live with the mountains.

When autumn comes, dates and pears fall all over the ground. You can eat them when you pick them up.

When spring comes, you can see trees full of pear blossoms. The Pear Blossom Festival is held here every April, which is probably the busiest time of the year.

@名图dream+

Seeing the folk houses here, I immediately understood where the design prototype of the Yellow River Suji came from. The rammed earth house is windproof and sandproof, and is completely in the color of the Northwest.

Magical landforms? It’s available here too!

Taking the Great Northwest Loop is simply one vivid geography lesson after another. For people like me who live in the plains, this is really shocking.

Although Zhongwei is not big, it also hides a treasure: Sikouzi - two landforms can be seen in one scenic spot.

The scenic spot is divided into east and west. The east line is dominated by Danxia landform. This road requires more physical strength. There is only one way to climb up the mountain, and then climb down by yourself. There is no shortcut.

@米人小宫

@芋头

The western line is dominated by karst landforms, and the mountains are full of pits and holes. This is where Su Wu shepherds sheep, emmm, the place he chose is really high.

@芋头

The suspended bridge on the two peaks is an experience not to be missed on the western route. It is no less thrilling than an amusement park. At critical moments, walking on this bridge can save a lot of leg effort.

Temple Pass is quite big. If you want to fully explore the two scenic spots, it is best to set aside about 4 hours.

Northwest food? That must be arranged!

Friends who like to eat Northwest cuisine will not be lonely when they come to Zhongwei.

Because there are many tourists in Shapotou, there are many farmhouse restaurants, and they all taste pretty good. The city is about half an hour's drive from Shapotou, so even if you live in a scenic spot, you can still take a taxi to the city for shopping and late-night snacks.

@consciousness powder

Piaozi noodles

Piaozi noodles are a kind of pasta unique to Zhongwei. It is added with flour. The name comes from the local wild plant wormwood seeds. It is usually served with tofu. You deserve this smooth and chewy texture.

Sweet and Sour Yellow River Carp

Needless to say, Zhongwei is right by the Yellow River, and you must try the freshly caught carp. However, if you want to eat this dish, it is best to call and make a reservation with the boss, otherwise it may be sold out if you go late (this dish is more common in Shapotou Town).

Scrambled eggs with scallions

I had cold scallions when I was in Yinchuan. It was sour, sweet and very appetizing. The shallots eaten by camels can also be used to make scrambled eggs, which is a dish that is completely unavailable in the south.

Hand-caught mutton

How can you not eat hand-caught mutton when you come to Ningxia? Not greasy or smelly, it will refresh your understanding of the deliciousness of mutton. Ningxia itself is a pastoral area, and it also produces Yanchitan sheep that have been on the G20 table. One person can eat half a catty without any problem.

Spicy Lamb

Lamb is more tender than mutton, so carnivores will be satisfied.

In addition, there are eight-treasure tea, hot noodle oil fragrance, flower steamed beef brisket... you can order them in different ways.

Recommended stores:

Yanchi Braised Mutton Hand-caught Mutton Restaurant (Shapotou District)

Golden Leaf Restaurant (Shapotou District) Head District)

Yellow River Fish House Restaurant (Shapotou District)

If you come to the northwest and don’t pick up skewers, it’s a waste of time. Order a bottle of Xixia beer. This is the most authentic way to open it. The Shangcheng Night Market and Xiangyang Pedestrian Street in Zhongwei City are both good places for late-night snacks.

Recommended stores:

Yipin Edo Snack Bar (Xiangyang Pedestrian Street)

Yibao Tianxia (Xiangyang Pedestrian Street)

By the way, Zhongwei’s specialty selenium melon is super sweet, but it’s too big. One can weigh 30 kilograms. This kind of watermelon pops out of the stone like the Monkey King. From a distance, it looks like a wasteland, but when you look up close, it looks like an acre of melon field.

Because it grows in rocks, selenium melon contains some trace elements that are beneficial to the human body. It is delicious and healthy.

I think the impression of a city mainly comes from its food and architecture. Although Gaomiao is the only tourist attraction in the city, it is worth a visit. It was built in the Ming Dynasty and had become a large-scale building complex by the Qing Dynasty.

The Gao Temple is built on the mountain. To visit this attraction, you need to climb all the way up. It is indeed "high". The buildings are connected one after another. The ancestors built more than 200 temples on the hillside, which is not very spacious. The internal space is winding and maze-like.

What is even more amazing is that Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism coexist here. You can read the harmony and tacit understanding of these three religions from the decorative elements of the building.

If you are a literary and artistic person who loves to take pictures, in addition to Gaomiao, the Yellow River Suji mentioned above is also a good place to make pictures. Even if you don’t live there, you can still Visit it as an attraction. Every corner is thoughtfully designed, and there's even an art gallery.

As a digression, if you have planted trees in the Ant Forest, then Zhongwei is a great opportunity for you to meet the Haloxylon ammodendron trees you planted.

There is a forest in Ant Forest that is planted in the Alxa League of Inner Mongolia next to Ningxia. It's even closer from Yinchuan, only 200 kilometers away.

It’s quite romantic to come all the way to see the trees you planted.

Since I can’t go abroad this year, I guess there are many people planning to visit the northwest. After all, it is far away and special, and it can give you the feeling of "traveling far away".

Compared with taking the northwest loop route, Zhongwei is relatively less popular, but the scenery you see can still satisfy your fantasy of northwest style. And the air tickets are super cheap, less than 300 one-way from Shanghai.

There is no need to study a lot of guides, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while lying in a hotel in Zhongwei; spending a day chartering a car will greatly enrich your impression of the northwest. You are actually only one plane ticket away from the great mountains and rivers of your motherland.